World Cup: The Benedict Arnold of American Soccer

It's not hard to find a reason to root against the Italians. They play boring, defensive soccer, have never met a cheap shot they won't take, and flail around like guppies on the carpet at the first hint of contact. And now there's Giuseppe Rossi.

Rossi is a 23-year-old forward who plays for Villarreal in Spain when he's not attacking for the Italian national team. He's quick, talented, and has a knack for scoring goals—such as the two he scored against the U.S. at last summer's Confederations Cup.

What's wrong with that? Only this: He's American!

Born and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, Rossi's been a star since he was knee-high. He joined Parma's youth squad when he was 12 and later signed with Manchester United. In 2006 his impressive play earned him an invitation to play with the U.S. national team.

And guess what? Rossi turned it down.

He turned it down because he wanted to play for Italy, birthplace of his parents (his late father taught the language and coached soccer for Clifton [N.J.] High School). Young Rossi was the leading scorer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and then kicked American soccer pride in the nuts—twice!—last summer.

The American game gets little respect from soccer-mad nations like Brazil, Spain, and yes, Italy, so it's a little disheartening to see this born-and-bred American headed toward global stardom who chooses to play mercenary.

Then again, it's kind of funny to watch Italy play and to hear those Azzurri fans whistle and cheer after a Rossi goal and then point out, delicately, of course: "By the way, signore, that one's American."

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